25 biggest, upcoming events in Phoenix 2018

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

2/21-3/18: Cavalia: Odysseo | Seventy horses and 50 performers round up the cast of Cavalia: Odysseo in Scottsdale. The show is a visual spectacle with technical effects, acrobatics, animal performances and more.
Details:Feb. 21 throughMarch 18. Various times. $59.50-$159.50 for adults, $54.50-$144.50 for ages 13-7, $44.50-$119.50 for ages 2-12. VIP packages available; prices based on age and plan. 1-866-999-8111,cavalia.com/scottsdale.
Cavalia

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/8-11: Parada del Sol Rodeo | Get ready for four days of exciting action during the 65th annual Parada del Sol Rodeo. The rodeo is a PRCA-sanctioned event that features the seven traditional rodeo disciplines including bull riding, roping and more.
Details: Starts at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 8, through Saturday, March 10, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. Ticket prices vary, check website for info. 480-648-4369, paradadelsol.net.
Parada del Sol Rodeo

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/8-11: Cirque du Soleil Crystal | The popular Cirque du Soleil is bringing its first ever ice experience to Phoenix. Talented acrobats and ice skaters will challenge the law of gravity during the awe-inspiring show; watch as Crystal, the lead in the show, takes the audience into the world of her imagination.
Details: March 8-11. 7:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Friday; 4 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1:30 and 5 p.m. Sunday. Talking Stick Resort Arena, 201 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix. $32-$160. talkingstickresortarena.com.
John Phillips/Getty Images

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/9-11: Scottsdale Arts Festival | Known as one of the top art fairs in the country, this three-day outdoor event features 170 jury-selected artists from throughout the U.S. and Canada. While not admiring and/or purchasing artwork, take a break and grab lunch at one of the many food trucks, and enjoy live music and activities for the kids.
Details: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 9-10, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 11. Scottsdale Civic Center Park, 7380 E. Second St. $12 for one-day pass, $20 for two-day pass, free for age 12 and younger. scottsdaleartsfestival.org.
Jeffrey Lowman/The Republic

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/10: Ancient Technology Day: Prehistoric & Historic | This hands-on, family-friendly event will have you testing your skill at tossing a spear called an atlatl, learning to weave cloth and tasting roasted agave that was cooked in an earthen oven. Artists will demonstrate how the Hohokam people used technology including weaving, flintknapping and more. Experts will show how the first residents spun cotton and made bricks from adobe.
Details: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, March 10. Pueblo Grande Museum, 4619 E. Washington St., Phoenix. Free. 602-495-0901, pueblogrande.com.
Pueblo Grande Museum

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/10-11: Arizona Bluegrass Music Festival | Bluegrass fans are sure to enjoy the first Arizona Bluegrass Music Festival. Several bands are scheduled to play over the course of the two days, including Nehemiah, Jam Pak and Drivin’ Home. In addition to plenty of bluegrass and gospel music, enjoy a petting zoo, vendors and more.
Details: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, March 10; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, March 11. Earth Heart Park, 625 N. Plaza Drive, Apache Junction. Free. arizonabluegrass.com.
ittipon2002/Getty Images/iStockphoto

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/10: Bites and Stings - What do I do?
Warm weather increases your chances of encountering a venomous animal. An expert from Banner Poison Control will share important information about what to expect if you have an encounter with some of Arizona's common venomous critters. Some of these venomous animals will be on live display for you to see at the Visitor Center.
Details: 2-3 p.m., Saturday, March 10. McDowell Mountain Regional Park, 16300 McDowell Mountain Park Drive, MMRP. Vehicle entry fee is $6. 480-471-0173, www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/
David Wallace/The Republic

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/10: Downtown Mesa Brew Fest | In its fourth year, the beer-tasting festival will feature local breweries such as the Perch Pub & Eatery, Beer Research Institute, 12 West Brewing, Blasted Barley Beer Company, Desert Eagle Brewing Company and Uncle Bear's Brewery. Arizona Distilling and Iconic Cocktail companies will serve craft cocktails. There will be a variety of food trucks, including Cousins Maine Lobster and Different Smokes BBQ; and music from Jason DeVore, The Banter and others.
Details: 2-6 p.m. Saturday, March 10. 1 S. MacDonald, Mesa. Free for general admission. $5 per beer. VIP tickets, $45. downtownmesa.com/brewfest.
chictype/Getty Images/iStockphoto

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/10 Mark Lowry | The performer sure has had a diverse career. As a songwriter, he penned the modern holiday classic "Mary, Did You Know?" As a gospel singer, he was a member of the Gaither Vocal Band for several years. But he's also a stand-up comedian who emerged in the '80s as kind of the Weird Al of the Christian-music scene, withgood-natured-yet-sharp parodies of Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman.
Details: 7 p.m. Saturday, March 10. Grand Canyon University, 3300 W. Camelback Road., Phoenix. $17-$45. 602-639-8979, gcuarena.com.
Anna Webber/Getty Images for Dove Awards

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/10-12: Magic of Mexican Artistry | Come see the works of master weavers, jewelers, potters and wood carvers from Mexico. Artisans of Mata Ortiz and Oaxaca will also showcase their crafts in demonstrations and workshops. Attendees can speak with artists as they watch them work.
Details: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday-Sunday, March 10-12. Superstition Mountain Museum, 4087 N. Apache Trail, Apache Junction. Free. superstitionmountainmuseum.org.
Roger Naylor

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/11: Windsor Square Home Tour | Tour 12 historic homes on this biennial tour. Homes feature some of the latest design trends while highlighting classic architecture that goes back to the 1930s and '40s. There will also be arts and crafts vendors, a beer garden, food trucks and live music.
Details: 11 a.m.-4 p.m.Sunday, March 11. Orange Drive and SecondStreet (Near Central Avenue and Camelback Road), Phoenix. $17 in advance,$20 at the event. windsorsquarephoenix.com/hometour.
Windsor Square Historic District

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/12: Kids Desert Scavenger Hunt | Join us on this exciting scavenger hunt as we solve riddles and find things in our desert using our eyes only. Not only will we have a lot of fun but we will also learn amazing things about our desert plants and animals. The 1-mile Merkle Trail offers universal access and the hard-smooth surface of this trail will accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Please bring water and closed-toe shoes and meet at Area 6.
Details: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Monday, March 12. Usery Mountain Regional Park, 3939 N. Usery Pass Road, Mesa. Vehicle entry fee is $6. 480-984-0032, www.maricopacountyparks.net/events/
Ron Scott

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/15-20: Art Detour 30 | Head to downtown Phoenix for a six-day celebration of community arts. The event, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, will feature “meet the artist” demonstrations and talks, open galleries and studios, self-guided trolley tours and performances. For young art fans, a Kids’ Detourwill include family-friendly activities.
Details: Thursday-Tuesday, March 15-March 20. Various times and locations throughout downtown Phoenix, check website for info. artdetour.com.
Jeffrey Lowman/The Republic

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/16-18: Goodguys Spring Nationals | Check out over 2,000 customs, rods, muscle cars, classics and trucks produced through 1987. The event will feature vendor and manufacturer exhibits, a model and pedal car show and the Nitro Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition. A Kids Zone with free games and arts and crafts is ideal for the youngest attendees, as is the free model car make-n-take.
Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 16-17, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, March 18. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. $20, $6 for ages 7-12, free for age6 and younger. Discounts for Goodguys members and active and retired militarywith ID. good-guys.com/sn-2018.
Martin Dolan/The Republic

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/17-18: VegOut! Vegan Beer & Food Festival | With more than 100 vegan vendors, this inaugural event features vegan food and drinks, chef demonstrations, educational speakers, fitness classes and live entertainment. "Avocado" ticket holders get in an hour early and receive two drink tickets, a swag bag and raffle ticket. Produced by FoodInRoot and Local First Arizona.
Details: 10 a.m.-7p.m. Saturday, March 17,and10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, March 18.Scottsdale Waterfront, 7135 E. Camelback Road. $20 for general admission ("sweet pea" ticket). $30 for VIP ("avocado" ticket).Search for "VegOut" in Eventbrite.
KarpenkovDenis/Getty Images/iStockphoto

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/23: Professional Bull Riders Ak-Chin Invitational | Come check out some of the stars of the Professional Bull Riders tour, including JB Mauney and Kaique Pacheco, as they take on some of the strongest bulls you have ever seen. It’s easy to see why this event is called “the toughest 8 seconds in sports.”
Details: 7:45 p.m. Friday, March 23. Gila River Arena, Loop 101 and Glendale Ave., Glendale. $20-$450. 623-772-3800, gilariverarena.com.
Patrick Breen/The Republic

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

3/25: Modern Phoenix tour | This is a must for those fascinated with the Phoenix area's mid-century modern architecture. This park-and-walk tour features the 1950s-era custom homes of Marion Estates and the surrounding Camelback Foothills area. The home tour on March 25 is the main event of Modern Phoenix Week, but activities begin on March 16 (10 Days of Modness!).
Details: 1-6 p.m. Sunday, March 25. $40; tickets go on sale Thursday, Feb. 1. modernphoenixweek.com.
DWL Architects and encantohaus.com

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

4/13: Trevor Noah | A native of South Africa and host of many TV shows in his home country, Trevor Noah made his TV debut in the U.S. on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” The stand-up comedian also hosted a Showtime special “Trevor Noah: African American,” and he recently took over for Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show.”
Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 13. Comerica Theatre, 400 W. Washington St., Phoenix. $55-$95. 602-379-2800, comericatheatre.com.
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bob Woodruff Foundation

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

4/26: Linda Ronstadt | The 11-time Grammy winner offers a discussion about her four decades in the music industry, enhanced by videos and photos. The Tucson native retired from performing in 2011 andrevealed two years later that she was diagnosed withParkinson's disease and no longer able to sing.
Details: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 26. Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts, 7380 E. SecondSt.$39-$69. 480-499-8587, scottsdaleperformingarts.org.
Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

4/14: Lanterns at the Lake | Light up the night sky with personalized biodegradable lanterns at this first annual event for Lake Pleasant in the West Valley. Once the lanterns are released after sundown, there will be live music and food trucks. This is also a family-friendly event with kids' activities.
Details: 4 - 9:30 p.m. Saturday, April 14. Pleasant Harbor at Lake Pleasant, 8708 W. Harbor Blvd, Peoria. $25. Admission for children under 3 is free. 623-203-5173, pleasantharbor.com.
boonsom/Getty Images/iStockphoto

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

Now-5/6: Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China | Highlights from 9,000 years of Chinese music and history will be on display during this special exhibition that highlights musical and archaeological treasures. In addition to beautiful and rare instruments, the exhibition includes music-related art made of materials like jade and ceramic. Many of these pieces were excavated from the tombs of nobility.
Details: Through May 6, 2018; check website for hours. Musical Instrument Museum, 4725 E. Mayo Blvd., Phoenix. $7 with paid museum admission, $10 special exhibition only. 480-478-6000, mim.org.
Musical Instrument Museum

PHOTOS: 25 best, biggest events in the Valley

2/21-3/18: Cavalia: Odysseo | Seventy horses and 50 performers round up the cast of Cavalia: Odysseo in Scottsdale. The show is a visual spectacle with technical effects, acrobatics, animal performances and more.
Details:Feb. 21 throughMarch 18. Various times. $59.50-$159.50 for adults, $54.50-$144.50 for ages 13-7, $44.50-$119.50 for ages 2-12. VIP packages available; prices based on age and plan. 1-866-999-8111,cavalia.com/scottsdale.

2/21-3/18: Cavalia: Odysseo

From Feb. 21 through March 18 Cavalia: Odysseo is performing in Scottsdale.(Photo: Cavalia)

Seventy horses and 50 performers round up the cast of Cavalia: Odysseo in Scottsdale. The show is a visual spectacle with technical effects, acrobatics, animal performances and more.

Details: Feb. 21 through March 18. Various times. $59.50-$159.50 for adults, $54.50-$144.50 for ages 13-7, $44.50-$119.50 for ages 2-12. VIP packages available; prices based on age and plan. 1-866-999-8111, cavalia.com/scottsdale.

3/8-11: Parada del Sol Rodeo

Get ready for four days of exciting action during the 65th annual Parada del Sol Rodeo. The rodeo is a PRCA-sanctioned event that features the seven traditional rodeo disciplines including bull riding, roping and more.

3/8-11: Cirque du Soleil Crystal

Cirque du Soleil, pictured from the OVO dress rehearsal at Royal Albert Hall on January 9, 2018, will be performing at the Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix from March 8-11.(Photo: John Phillips/Getty Images)

The popular Cirque du Soleil is bringing its first ever ice experience to Phoenix. Talented acrobats and ice skaters will challenge the law of gravity during the awe-inspiring show; watch as Crystal, the lead in the show, takes the audience into the world of her imagination.

3/9-11: Scottsdale Arts Festival

Known as one of the top art fairs in the country, this three-day outdoor event features 170 jury-selected artists from throughout the U.S. and Canada. While not admiring and/or purchasing artwork, take a break and grab lunch at one of the many food trucks, and enjoy live music and activities for the kids.

3/9-3/11: Chandler Ostrich Festival

From ostriches to zebras, Chandler is celebrating 30 years of the Ostrich Festival.(Photo: Jesse Wardarski/The Republic)

Celebrate 30 years of Chandler’s connection with ostriches at this festival. Musical acts for this year’s show are Kool & the Gang (March 9), John Michael Montgomery (March 10) and The Beach Boys (March 11). Festival also includes rides, midway games and ostrich, camel, emu and zebra races.

3/10: Ancient Technology Day: Prehistoric & Historic

Ancient Technology Day at the Pueblo Grande Museum will be a hands-on experience March 10.(Photo: Pueblo Grande Museum)

This hands-on, family-friendly event will have you testing your skill at tossing a spear called an atlatl, learning to weave cloth and tasting roasted agave that was cooked in an earthen oven. Artists will demonstrate how the Hohokam people used technology including weaving, flintknapping and more. Experts will show how the first residents spun cotton and made bricks from adobe.

3/10: 2018 Arizona Archaeology Expo

The Arizona Museum of Natural History is kicking off Archaeology Awareness Month starting with the Arizona Archaeology Expo.(Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

This fun and educational event, which will kick off Archaeology Awareness Month across the state, will feature exhibitors, professional archaeologists, vendors, crafts and kids activities. The day will also include a free lecture from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

3/10-11: Arizona Bluegrass Music Festival

From March 10-11 fans of bluegrass can enjoy this free music festival in Apache Junction.(Photo: ittipon2002/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Bluegrass fans are sure to enjoy the first Arizona Bluegrass Music Festival. Several bands are scheduled to play over the course of the two days, including Nehemiah, Jam Pak and Drivin’ Home. In addition to plenty of bluegrass and gospel music, enjoy a petting zoo, vendors and more.

3/10: Bites and Stings - What do I do?

Learn what to do if you encounter a venomous animal in Arizona March 10 at the McDowell Mountain Regional Park.(Photo: David Wallace/The Republic)

Warm weather increases your chances of encountering a venomous animal. An expert from Banner Poison Control will share important information about what to expect if you have an encounter with some of Arizona's common venomous critters. Some of these venomous animals will be on live display for you to see at the Visitor Center.

3/10: Downtown Mesa Brew Fest

In its fourth year, the beer-tasting festival will feature local breweries such as the Perch Pub & Eatery, Beer Research Institute, 12 West Brewing, Blasted Barley Beer Company, Desert Eagle Brewing Company and Uncle Bear's Brewery. Arizona Distilling and Iconic Cocktail companies will serve craft cocktails. There will be a variety of food trucks, including Cousins Maine Lobster and Different Smokes BBQ; and music from Jason DeVore, The Banter and others.

3/10 Mark Lowry

Mark Lowry will be performing at the Grand Canyon University on March 10.(Photo: Anna Webber/Getty Images for Dove Awards)

The performer sure has had a diverse career. As a songwriter, he penned the modern holiday classic "Mary, Did You Know?" As a gospel singer, he was a member of the Gaither Vocal Band for several years. But he's also a stand-up comedian who emerged in the '80s as kind of the Weird Al of the Christian-music scene, with good-natured-yet-sharp parodies of Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and Steven Curtis Chapman.

3/10-12: Magic of Mexican Artistry

Come see the works of master weavers, jewelers, potters and wood carvers from Mexico. Artisans of Mata Ortiz and Oaxaca will also showcase their crafts in demonstrations and workshops. Attendees can speak with artists as they watch them work.

3/11: Windsor Square Home Tour

12 historic homes dating back to the 1930s and '40s are on this tour on March 11.(Photo: Windsor Square Historic District)

Tour 12 historic homes on this biennial tour. Homes feature some of the latest design trends while highlighting classic architecture that goes back to the 1930s and '40s. There will also be arts and crafts vendors, a beer garden, food trucks and live music.

3/12: Kids Desert Scavenger Hunt

Kids can learn about the desert and solve riddles on the Kids Desert Scavenger Hunt March 12.(Photo: Ron Scott)

Join us on this exciting scavenger hunt as we solve riddles and find things in our desert using our eyes only. Not only will we have a lot of fun but we will also learn amazing things about our desert plants and animals. The 1-mile Merkle Trail offers universal access and the hard-smooth surface of this trail will accommodate wheelchairs and strollers. Please bring water and closed-toe shoes and meet at Area 6.

3/15-20: Art Detour 30

Downtown Phoenix will be home to six days of community arts.(Photo: Michael Schennum / The Republic)

Head to downtown Phoenix for a six-day celebration of community arts. The event, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, will feature “meet the artist” demonstrations and talks, open galleries and studios, self-guided trolley tours and performances. For young art fans, a Kids’ Detour will include family-friendly activities.

Details: Thursday-Tuesday, March 15-March 20. Various times and locations throughout downtown Phoenix, check website for info. artdetour.com.

3/16-18: Goodguys Spring Nationals

Customs, rods, muscle cars, classics and trucks will be at WestWorld of Scottsdale for Goodguys Spring Nationals.(Photo: Martin Dolan/The Republic)

Check out over 2,000 customs, rods, muscle cars, classics and trucks produced through 1987. The event will feature vendor and manufacturer exhibits, a model and pedal car show and the Nitro Thunderfest Dragster Exhibition. A Kids Zone with free games and arts and crafts is ideal for the youngest attendees, as is the free model car make-n-take.

Details: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday-Saturday, March 16-17, and 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, March 18. WestWorld of Scottsdale, 16601 N. Pima Road. $20, $6 for ages 7-12, free for age 6 and younger. Discounts for Goodguys members and active and retired military with ID. good-guys.com/sn-2018.

3/16-18: Downtown Phoenix Fashion and Art Event: On Central

Runway shows, performances, art displays and more during the 3-day fashion and art event in Downtown Phoenix.(Photo: webphotographeer/Getty Images)

Fashionistas are sure to love this three-day event that highlights Phoenix’s most talented fashion designers, trend setters and artists. Enjoy runway shows, performances, art displays, forums and more at this festive event, presented by The Garment League.

3/17-18: VegOut! Vegan Beer & Food Festival

Vegan food and drinks will be at the Scottsdale Waterfront March 17-18 for VegOut! Vegan Beer & Food Festival.(Photo: KarpenkovDenis/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

With more than 100 vegan vendors, this inaugural event features vegan food and drinks, chef demonstrations, educational speakers, fitness classes and live entertainment. "Avocado" ticket holders get in an hour early and receive two drink tickets, a swag bag and raffle ticket. Produced by FoodInRoot and Local First Arizona.

3/23: Professional Bull Riders Ak-Chin Invitational

Professional Bull Riders tour comes to the Gila River Arena, March 23.(Photo: Patrick Breen/The Republic)

Come check out some of the stars of the Professional Bull Riders tour, including JB Mauney and Kaique Pacheco, as they take on some of the strongest bulls you have ever seen. It’s easy to see why this event is called “the toughest 8 seconds in sports.”

3/25: Modern Phoenix tour

Modern Phoenix Week's main event is on March 25.(Photo: DWL Architects and encantohaus.com)

This is a must for those fascinated with the Phoenix area's mid-century modern architecture. This park-and-walk tour features the 1950s-era custom homes of Marion Estates and the surrounding Camelback Foothills area. The home tour on March 25 is the main event of Modern Phoenix Week, but activities begin on March 16 (10 Days of Modness!).

4/13: Trevor Noah

Trevor Noah, picture from the 11th Annual Stand Up for Heroes Event on November 7, 2017, will perform at the Comerica Theatre April 13.(Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for Bob Woodruff Foundation)

A native of South Africa and host of many TV shows in his home country, Trevor Noah made his TV debut in the U.S. on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.” The stand-up comedian also hosted a Showtime special “Trevor Noah: African American,” and he recently took over for Jon Stewart on “The Daily Show.”

4/14: Lanterns at the Lake

Light up the sky on Lake Pleasant's Harbor April 14.(Photo: boonsom/Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Light up the night sky with personalized biodegradable lanterns at this first annual event for Lake Pleasant in the West Valley. Once the lanterns are released after sundown, there will be live music and food trucks. This is also a family-friendly event with kids' activities.

4/26: Linda Ronstadt

Linda Ronstadt will be discussing her musical career April 26.(Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images)

The 11-time Grammy winner offers a discussion about her four decades in the music industry, enhanced by videos and photos. The Tucson native retired from performing in 2011 and revealed two years later that she was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and no longer able to sing.

Ongoing:

Through May 6: "Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China"

The MIM will host the special exhibit Ancient Musical Treasures from Central China.(Photo: Musical Instrument Museum)

Highlights from 9,000 years of Chinese music and history will be on display during this special exhibition that highlights musical and archaeological treasures. In addition to beautiful and rare instruments, the exhibition includes music-related art made of materials like jade and ceramic. Many of these pieces were excavated from the tombs of nobility.